PhRMA report lists almost 300 vaccines under development

By Alaric DeArment

WASHINGTON — Drug makers in the United States are developing nearly 300 vaccines for preventing and treating diseases, according to a new report by a drug industry trade group.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America released a report finding that the 295 vaccines — all of which are in clinical testing or under review by the Food and Drug Administration — include 170 for infections diseases, 102 for cancers and eight for neurological disorders.

These include a therapeutic vaccine that increases the immune system's response against HIV; a genetically modified treatment for cancer; and an immunotherapeutic vaccine for treating Alzheimer's disease.

"Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of biomedical science and public health," PhRMA president and CEO John Castellani said. "Over the past few decades, vaccinations have helped prevent and in some cases nearly eliminate contagious and deadly diseases affecting children and adults alike."